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By SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check. The IRS said it’s distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. But the IRS on Friday said it discovered many eligible taxpayers hadn’t done so. “Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement. Here’s more about the unexpected cash this group of taxpayers will soon receive: Sorry, it’s probably pretty low. The IRS said most taxpayers eligible for the federal stimulus payments, formally known as Economic Impact Payments, have already received them. The special payments announced by the IRS are being sent to those taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but left the data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or they filled it out as $0 when they were actually eligible for the credit. Related Articles Eligible taxpayers don’t have to take any action. The payments will go out automatically this month and should arrive by direct deposit or check by late January 2025. They’ll be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer’s 2023 return or to the address IRS has on file. Payments will vary but the maximum amount will be $1,400 per individual. The IRS has posted information online about eligibility and how the payment was calculated. IRS plans to send separate letters to eligible taxpayers notifying them of the special payment. You still might be able to receive the money. However, taxpayers need to file a tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025 deadline, even if any income from a job, business or other source was minimal or nonexistent, according to IRS. There were three rounds of payments to households impacted by the pandemic, totaling $814 billion. IRS based the amounts that taxpayers received on their income, tax filing status and number of children or qualifying dependents. In March 2020, eligible individuals received up to $1,200 per income tax filer and $500 per child under the CARES Act. In December 2020, eligible individuals received up to $600 per income tax filer and $600 per child under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. In March 2021, eligible individuals received up to $1,400 per income tax filer and $1,400 per child under the American Rescue Plan Act.NEW YORK , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Market Intelligence has released a report today highlighting the convergence in public and private credit markets. The newly published Public and Private Markets Outlook: Converging on Credit is part of S&P Global Market Intelligence's Big Picture 2025 Outlook Report Series. In this new report, S&P Global Market Intelligence's capital markets analysts highlight how public and private credit markets have become increasingly intertwined in 2024, and why we expect this trend to continue in 2025. Public debt markets have grown, but not at the expense of the $1.5 trillion private markets, which continue their rapid expansion. " It may be no coincidence that the fall in Credit Default Swap (CDS) credit events aligns with the growth in provision of private credit. Many companies now have recourse to lines of credit from private sources to an extent not seen in previous cycles. This trend is likely to continue in 2025 but may raise questions about the transparency and measurement of credit risk in private credit funds, where the exposure is ultimately shifted," said Gavan Nolan , Executive Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Key highlights from the report include: The $1.5 trillion global private market continues to see new activity as banks seek out new partnerships. Meanwhile, fund managers are trying to enter public markets through new investment vehicles. Credit events in the CDS market have stayed low, with just two credit event auctions — the settlement mechanism for CDS — in 2024. This is the fourth consecutive year that auctions have not exceeded three annually and brings the 3-year moving average down to the lowest levels not seen since the credit bubble before the global financial crisis in 2007-2008. With the size of the private credit market approaching $2 trillion , some regulators and investors are calling for more rules and transparency in the largely unregulated space. The private credit market, meanwhile, is only growing, with some estimates calling for total assets under management to more than double by 2028. To request a copy of Public and Private Markets Outlook: Converging on Credit , please contact [email protected] . S&P Global Market Intelligence's opinions, quotes, and credit-related and other analyses are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact or recommendation to purchase, hold, or sell any securities or to make any investment decisions, and do not address the suitability of any security. About S&P Global Market Intelligence At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we understand the importance of accurate, deep and insightful information. Our team of experts delivers unrivaled insights and leading data and technology solutions, partnering with customers to expand their perspective, operate with confidence, and make decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI ). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence . Media Contact Amanda Oey S&P Global Market Intelligence +1 212-438-1904 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE S&P Global Market Intelligence
NoneThe man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on Monday to murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Luigi Mangione, 26, was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his plea. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged him last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism, in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. His initial appearance in New York’s state’s trial court was preempted by federal prosecutors bringing their own charges over the shooting. The federal charges could carry the possibility of the death penalty, while the maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. One of Mangione’s attorneys told the judge that government officials, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, have turned Mangione into a political pawn, robbing him of his rights as a defendant and tainting the jury pool. “I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo. “This is a young man,” she said. “He is being treated like a human pingpong ball between warring jurisdictions here.” State trial court Judge Gregory Carro responded that he has little control over what happens outside the courtroom, but said he can guarantee that Mangione will receive a fair trial. Authorities say Mangione gunned down Brian Thompson as he was walking to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan on the morning of Dec 4. Mangione was arrested in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a five-day search, carrying a gun that matched the one used in the shooting and a fake ID, police said. He also was carrying a notebook expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and especially wealthy executives, according to federal prosecutors. At a news conference announcing the state charges last Tuesday, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said the application of the terrorism law reflected the severity of a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.” “In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror,” he added. “And we’ve seen that reaction.” Karen Friedman Agnifilo, an attorney for Mangione, has accused federal and state prosecutors of advancing conflicting legal theories. In federal court last week, she called their approach “very confusing” and “highly unusual.” Mangione is being held in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried. Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania on Thursday and quickly rushed to New York City, where he was seen wearing an orange jumpsuit as he was led away from a helicopter by heavily armed police officers and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams said he was hoping to send a message to the suspect: “I wanted to look him in the eye and say you carried out this terroristic act in my city — the city that the people of New York love,” the mayor told a local TV station. “I wanted to be there to show the symbolism of that.” An Ivy-league graduate from a prominent Maryland family, Mangione appeared to have cut himself off from family and friends in recent months. He posted frequently in online forums about his struggles with back pain. He was never a UnitedHealthcare client, according to the insurer. Thompson, a married father of two high-schoolers, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021. The killing has prompted some to voice their resentment at U.S. health insurers, with Mangione serving as a stand-in for frustrations over coverage denials and hefty medical bills. It also has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, rattling executives who say they have received a spike in threats. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Will the Price of Gold Keep Hitting Record Highs?USC QB Miller Moss enters transfer portal after losing starting job to Jayden Maiava
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans' starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday. Moss started the Trojans ' bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in. I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.” Moss, who was born in Los Angeles and went to high school in the San Fernando Valley, signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed with the Trojans after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year's Holiday Bowl. Moss completed 64.4% of his passes this season for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. After a spectacular 378-yard performance to beat LSU in the Trojans' season opener, Moss didn't play poorly as a starter, but he also wasn't a difference-maker while USC stumbled to a 4-5 record. Moss threw seven interceptions in his final five starts before losing the job to Maiava. The Trojans went 1-4 in that stretch under Moss, who plays as a more traditional pocket passer while Maiava has the mobility usually favored for quarterbacks in Riley's spread offense. “Looking towards the future, I'm unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader, and to achieving this at the next level,” Moss wrote. Moss has already graduated from USC, putting him in the portal as a graduate student. USC (6-6) is headed to a lower-tier bowl game again to finish this season, its third under Riley. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
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The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani."
45 years ago, a Virginia Beach woman was killed. Her family is still waiting for answers.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:23 p.m. EST
Prospera Financial Services Inc decreased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF ( BATS:EFAV – Free Report ) by 16.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 6,322 shares of the company’s stock after selling 1,275 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $485,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Tsfg LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF during the third quarter valued at about $26,000. Family Firm Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF during the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Fairscale Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance BATS:EFAV opened at $72.59 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF has a one year low of $64.68 and a one year high of $76.51. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $74.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $73.14. The company has a market cap of $6.95 billion, a PE ratio of 16.91 and a beta of 0.53. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of developed-market equities, ex-US and Canada, selected and weighted to create a low volatility portfolio subject to constraints including sector exposure. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFAV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF ( BATS:EFAV – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .No. 5 UCLA stuns No. South Carolina, ends 43-game streak
Harry and Meghan’s polo docuseries to highlight ‘grit behind the glamour’NEEDHAM, Mass. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) announced today that Mike Noonan , CFO, will host investor meetings at the UBS Global Technology Conference on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 , in Scottsdale, Arizona. About Tripadvisor, Inc. The Tripadvisor Group operates as a family of brands that connects people to experiences worth sharing, and aims to be the world's most trusted source for travel and experiences. We leverage our brands, technology, and capabilities to connect our global audience with partners through rich content, travel guidance, and two-sided marketplaces for experiences, accommodations, restaurants, and other travel categories. The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP), own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, including Tripadvisor, Viator, and TheFork. TRIP-G View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tripadvisor-announces-participation-at-upcoming-conference-302310129.html SOURCE Tripadvisor
VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — Tyler Schmidt came off the bench to score 19 points to lead Valparaiso to an 81-53 victory over Eastern Illinois on Sunday. Schmidt added three steals for the Beacons (3-2). Justus McNair scored 16 points while going 5 of 8 (4 for 6 from 3-point range). Darius DeAveiro had nine points and shot 3 for 11, including 3 for 9 from beyond the arc. Nakyel Shelton led the Panthers (1-5) in scoring, finishing with 20 points. Kooper Jacobi added 13 points and nine rebounds for Eastern Illinois. Zion Fruster had six points. Valparaiso took the lead with 5:07 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 35-29 at halftime, with Schmidt racking up 14 points. Valparaiso extended its lead to 66-38 during the second half, fueled by an 18-2 scoring run. McNair scored a team-high 11 points in the second half as their team closed out the win. NEXT UP Both teams play Northern Illinois next, Valparaiso at home on Wednesday and Eastern Illinois at home on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Muscat : The Governorate of Muscat is witnessing the implementation of a number of major development projects that boost its economic and tourism landscape to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Sultan Haitham City is the major project in Muscat as it is the first integrated and smart city in the Sultanate of Oman, with a total area of (14 million square meters). The Governorate of Muscat seeks to expand the scope of investment opportunities and increase the number of sites ready for investment, augment the percentage of utilization of tourist sites, develop entertainment venues and increase green spaces, in addition to implementing new projects, activating decentralization in providing government services, and laying emphasis on digital transformation and modern technologies. Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, affirmed that the governorate pays great attention to empowering youth and enhancing their participation in development, in accordance with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision that places youth at the heart of development. In this context, the governorate organizes the "Muscat Dialogue Sessions" annually to address development topics of interest, giving the youth an opportunity to express their opinions and present their ideas, said Sayyid Saud. He added that the governorate also supports youth initiatives in partnership with the public and private sectors, to polish their skills and qualify them for the labor market and entrepreneurship. Among these initiatives is a health and sports project that aims to empower the community through sports activities and generate new job opportunities. Sayyid Saud explained to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the municipal sector in the governorate has also launched several initiatives related to youth, including the “Oman Planning Hackathon” to develop innovative solutions in sustainable urban planning, and a competition to develop the surroundings of the Wadi Darsait (valley) in cooperation with a group of students. In addition, the governorate’s wilayats organize various youth events such as the “Sports and Beach Games Forum” in the Wilayat of Bausher, which includes sports activities and training courses. Within the framework of future plans, the governorate intends to create an electronic platform through its official website to enable youth to present their ideas and aspirations, added Sayyid Saud. He pointed out that Muscat Governorate seeks to enhance coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to ensure that development projects are compatible with the Greater Muscat Master Plan, which is one of the outcomes of the National Urban Development Strategy in accordance with Oman Vision 2040. This approach, said Sayyid Saud, aims at achieving a balance between economic growth and quality of life through the integration of land uses, public transportation, and sustainable green spaces. He explained that coordination is underway to implement projects that include the development of residential neighbourhoods, including the Muttrah Development Project and the Sultan Qaboos Port Waterfront, which contribute to building an integrated and sustainable urban environment that meets the needs of current generations and future aspirations. He pointed out that the governorate seeks to implement qualitative projects that are consistent with its strategy, as the governorate has completed the preparation of the general plan and detailed maps for the Bimmah Sinkhole Development Project in the Wilayat of Quriyat as a tender will be floated to implement the construction works for the project on an area of (498,758) square meters. The project includes the establishment of areas for hiking and camping, providing necessary services, and increasing the green area. He added that a tender was also floated for the implementation of the detailed plan for the development project of the Bausher Sands area in the Wilayat of Bausher. He explained that the project will be implemented in phases and within an area of 362,000 square meters and will include an area designated for four-wheel drive bikes, a special building for renting and maintaining bikes, various entertainment and family areas, and multi-storey parking lots. Sayyid Saud pointed out that work is underway on the detailed plan for the Ain Ghala development project, completing the consultation services and preparing the basic plans for the Al-Qurm area development project (beach and reserve), as well as preparing detailed maps for the sea road. As for the Quriyat Waterfront Development Project, he noted that the initial design has been completed and will include a walkway, bicycle paths, facilities for visitors, green spaces, and an area allocated for restaurants, cafes and shaded seating areas. Sayyid Saud added: “The governorate also assigned last September the consultation services for the master plan for the development of the Qurum Commercial District. Consultation services were also assigned for the development of the Al-Mahj Commercial District in the Wilayat of Al Amirat. A tender was also floated to implement the Ruwi Commercial District Development Project, in a manner that supports economic and commercial activities”. He also pointed to some major projects in the Governorate of Muscat, such as Sultan Haitham City, the Sustainable City Yiti, Al Khuwair downtown and Tilal Al Irfan. In the municipal sector, the Governor of Muscat explained that during this year, a number of service projects will be implemented in various fields, as the main projects focus on developing the road network in Muscat Governorate, most notably the tender for expanding Muscat Expressway. It will include six lanes in each direction, with the improvement of bridges and intersections. He added that the projects also include converting the service road in Al Khuwair into a one-way road to improve traffic and the Al Ansab-Al Jifnain dual carriageway project with a length of up to 15 km, which includes the construction of a road with three lanes in each direction with bridges and intersections, in addition to other road projects. He also touched on the projects that the municipal sector is currently working on, including the Muttrah Square Project, that won Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design. Sayyid Saud also talked about the digital transformation and smart infrastructure projects in Muscat Governorate, including the smart signal operating system, through which 50 sensors and 52 cameras were installed at traffic light intersections, in addition to the unified municipal system project, which aims to digitize 93 services and 14 smart initiatives in its first phase, in order to enhance the efficiency of services provided to citizens. He underlined the municipal sector’s keenness to increase green spaces in Muscat Governorate by constructing more parks and gardens. He pointed out that Muscat Governorate includes (144) parks and gardens distributed over (11) public parks, (126) parks in residential neighborhoods, and (7) gardens. In the field of environment conservation, he said: “Muscat Governorate seeks to enhance sustainability among its priorities in cooperation with the Environment Authority and other governmental and private entities, to achieve the goals of the Sultanate of Oman to reach zero neutrality by 2050. Within the context of this approach, the Governorate launched the “Green Muscat” initiative to increase the vegetation cover, within the framework of the national initiative to plant (10) million trees, which contributes to improving air quality and public health. The governorate also participates in the national campaign to combat invasive birds. Muscat Governorate also signed an agreement to establish several environmental initiatives and projects, such as: establishing five parks in residential neighbourhoods, and the “Al-Khuwair Square” project in cooperation with Jindal Company, in addition to establishing parking lots covered with solar panels, and an agreement with the German University to design a sustainable garden to capture carbon”. On the tourism side, Sayyid Saud explained that Muscat Governorate realizes the importance of tourism as a fundamental pillar of the economy and is constantly working to enhance its role in providing integrated services that support this vital sector. He pointed out that within the context of close cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Governorate is committed to developing the infrastructure in tourist sites by providing roads, lighting, health facilities, and necessary installations, which contribute to improving the visitors’ experience and meeting their expectations. The Governorate, said Sayyid Saud, coordinates with the Ministry to implement multiple tourism projects, including developing a number of sites that it supervises, in addition to supporting projects implemented by the Ministry in Muscat Governorate, such as the Omani Botanic Garden project, where the municipal sector contributes to expanding the road leading to the garden, in addition to the development project of the waterfront at Sultan Qaboos Port, and the Muttrah Tourist Path project, which is currently underway. The Governorate also organizes various events such as the “Muscat Nights Festival” and other activities aimed at attracting tourists and activating local tourism. As far as the social work is concerned, He pointed out that the Governorate of Muscat and the Ministry of Social Development, in cooperation with the offices of walis in the Governorate are performing several prominent tasks through the Social Development Committees. He said that the most prominent social development projects being implemented in Muscat Governorate are the establishment of a water therapy unit at Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Al Amerat, in addition to design and engineering consultancy works to establish a juvenile detention facility. On the health sector side, Sayyid Saud affirmed that Muscat Governorate witnessed the launch of a number of vital projects during 2023 and 2024, to ensure the provision of integrated health services that meet the needs of society, such as the Menagen Pharmaceutical Industries Factory in the Rusayl Industrial Area and the opening of an Omani start-up in the field of manufacturing transparent dental aligners with specialized Omani cadres. This is in addition to expanding many health centers and opening new polyclinics. He also talked about the progress in the education sector in Muscat Governorate. In this context, he referred to the increasing number of schools in the governorate. Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi concluded his statement by highlighting the efforts exerted to boost the fisheries sector and support the fishermen in various wilayats of the governorate.Playwright’s Night honors veteran figures
LOS ANGELES — Londynn Jones scored 15 points, making all five of her 3-pointers, and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday, ending the Gamecocks' overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories. The Gamecocks (5-1) lost for the first time since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat them in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points and Tessa Johnson scored 14 for the Gamecocks, whose road winning streak was third-longest in Division I history. It was the first time UCLA took down a No. 1 team in school history, having been 0-20 in such games. The program's previous best wins were over a couple of No. 2s — Oregon in 2019 and Stanford in 2008. Elina Aarnisalo added 13 points as one of five Bruins in double figures. UCLA (5-0) dominated from start to finish, with the Bruins' suffocating defense preventing the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. South Carolina: The Gamecocks trailed by double-digits at halftime for the first time since Dec. 21, 2021, against Stanford, according to ESPN. Chloe Kitts, who averages a team-leading 14 points, finished the game with 2 points on 1 of 7 shooting. UCLA: The Bruins led 43-22 at halftime. Eight different players scored and contributed to 11-0 and 7-0 runs in the first and second quarters as they shot 52% from the field. The first quarter set the tone for a game in which the Gamecocks never led. They missed their first nine shots and were 4 of 18 from the floor in the quarter. UCLA ran off 11 straight points to take a 20-10 lead into the second quarter. The Bruins dominated the boards, 41-34, and held the Gamecocks well under their scoring average of 80.2 points. South Carolina travels to Florida to meet Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tipoff on Thanksgiving. UCLA travels to the Rainbow Wahine Showdown in Hawaii to play UT Martin on Friday. Get local news delivered to your inbox!HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro authorized a series of legislative measures into law on Monday, signing seven bills that address a range of significant topics, from memorializing fallen heroes to enhancing consumer protections and modernizing local governance. Each new law signals progress in key areas affecting Pennsylvania residents, with far-reaching implications for public safety, economic activity, and civic recognition. The legislation includes House Bills 71, 1210, 1304, 1850, 2177, 2426, and Senate Bill 155. These new Acts address issues like honoring Gold Star families, protecting victims of abuse, improving emergency services, revising municipal accounting practices, updating motorcycle inspection rules, banning license plate flipping devices, and expanding consumer protections for motorcyclists. House Bill 71 , now Act No. 145 of 2024, underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to honoring military sacrifice. The law authorizes the construction of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the State Capitol grounds. Sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, the monument will recognize Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in military service. Its design reflects core themes of homeland, family, patriotism, sacrifice, and legacy. By creating a space for memory and education, the monument offers a lasting tribute to fallen heroes and their families, while fostering greater public understanding of their sacrifice. Act No. 146 of 2024, originating from House Bill 1210 , enhances protections for victims of domestic violence by allowing judges to explicitly prohibit defendants from harming the victim’s pets. This addition to Pennsylvania’s Protection From Abuse Act addresses an often-overlooked aspect of domestic abuse, where abusers harm pets as a tactic of intimidation. This law empowers courts to address this specific threat, ensuring victims can seek safety without fear for their animals. By recognizing the connection between pet welfare and victim safety, the bill represents a critical evolution in domestic violence protections. House Bill 1304 , now Act No. 147 of 2024, brings sweeping updates to Pennsylvania’s emergency 911 communication system. The legislation promotes the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911), which enables advanced digital capabilities like text, video, and data sharing. It outlines provisions for surcharge collection, fund distribution, and coordinated operations across counties. By modernizing the state’s emergency response infrastructure, Act 147 enhances public safety and creates a system better equipped to handle evolving technological needs and emergencies in real time. House Bill 1850 , signed as Act No. 148 of 2024, introduces changes to accounting practices in second-class townships. Specifically, it clarifies that advertisements are required only during the initial vote to replace elected auditors with certified public accountants (CPAs). Subsequent CPA reappointments no longer require additional public notices. This measure reduces administrative burdens while maintaining transparency, ensuring that municipalities can efficiently manage their transitions between accounting professionals without undue procedural hurdles. Act No. 149 of 2024, stemming from HB 2177 , simplifies safety inspection rules for motorcycles in Pennsylvania. Previously restricted to inspections between March and October, PennDOT-certified stations may now perform these inspections year-round. This change aligns safety protocols with motorcycle operation and sales, which occur throughout the calendar year. By eliminating this restriction, the law promotes road safety while offering greater convenience for motorcycle owners. House Bill 2426 , now Act No. 150 of 2024, closes a loophole in state vehicle laws by explicitly prohibiting license plate flipping devices. These mechanisms, which allow drivers to conceal or alter license plates, can enable illegal activities such as toll evasion and reckless driving. The new law ensures accountability on the road, making it clear that the use of such devices is unacceptable. This commonsense measure strengthens enforcement efforts and reinforces the principle that all drivers must adhere to traffic laws and identification requirements. Senate Bill 155 , enacted as Act No. 151 of 2024, expands Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law to include motorcycles. Previously covering only cars, the legislation ensures that motorcyclists receive the same consumer protections against defects that significantly impair use, value, or safety. These protections apply during the first year of ownership or the duration of the warranty, offering critical recourse for buyers. By addressing an oversight in existing consumer protections, this law aligns motorcycle purchasers with the safeguards already afforded to car buyers. The bills signed into law reflect a commitment to practical governance and the enhancement of public welfare. “These new laws address real needs in our communities, from public safety to consumer protection and more.” Gov. Shapiro’s administration repeatedly emphasized bipartisan collaboration in advancing these measures, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s ability to tackle diverse challenges. With laws now in place to honor military families, safeguard victims of abuse, modernize emergency systems, improve local governance, and protect motorcycle buyers, Pennsylvania stands poised to implement these initiatives for the benefit of its citizens. These Acts collectively represent a step forward in fostering safer, stronger, and more equitable communities across the Commonwealth. 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